A special holiday on August 10 is Prokhory - Parmeni: history, traditions, omens

Every year on August 10, Orthodox believers remember the first deacons of the New Testament Church and the apostles from 70: Prokhor, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenes and others. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Prokhorov Day or Prokhory – Parmeni. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday. Read about its history, spiritual significance, traditions, prohibitions and omens in the Izvestia article.

Church holiday on August 10th

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles began work on the creation of the Church. To do this, they chose seven deacons who headed large Christian communities. Their names were Stefan, Philip, Prokhor, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenes, and Nikolai. Despite the fact that they died at different times, believers honor their memory on the same day — August 10.

Saint Stephen became the first martyr to suffer for his faith in Christ. His fervent sermon aroused the discontent of the Jews, as a result, the deacon was accused of blasphemy and stoned. Saint Nicanor died with him.

Saint Prokhor accompanied the Apostle Peter, under whose spiritual guidance he was appointed bishop of Nicomedia, an important center of social and religious life in Asia Minor. His appointment to this city marked the beginning of his independent missionary activity. After the Dormition of the Virgin, he became an associate of John the Theologian. Together with him, he ended up in exile on the island of Patmos, where he recorded the revelations sent to John, which later became part of the New Testament.

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After returning from Patmos, Prokhor continued his apostolic ministry, heading to Antioch. Here he preached the Christian faith among the pagans, strengthening the position of the Church in one of the largest cities of the Eastern Roman Empire. The saint died a martyr in Antioch.

Saint Timon was a bishop in the city of Bastoria in Arabia. For preaching the gospel, he was sentenced to death by burning in a furnace. However, the fire did not touch the martyr. After much torture, he was crucified on a cross.

Parmenes preached in Macedonia. There he fell ill and died. According to some sources, the saint also suffered during the persecution under Emperor Trajan.

Saint Philip was the bishop of the city of Lydia. During his life, he converted many pagans to Christianity. There is practically no information about Deacon Nicholas.

Traditions of the national holiday of Prokhora – Parmen on August 10

It was customary to begin the holiday with a prayer to the Mother of God and the holy apostles, as well as with a visit to the temple, where believers placed candles in front of the image of the "Hodegetria", asking for protection, healing and well-being on the road.

In Russia, Prokhorov Day was traditionally considered a holiday of blacksmiths. The ancestors believed that these craftsmen possessed not only a craft, but also an almost mystical gift. They were respected, feared, and on this day, honored.

The blacksmiths themselves took a day off on August 10. They were invited to visit, treated, and given symbolic gifts. In the villages, it was considered a good sign to thank the blacksmith — it brought good luck for the whole year.

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Women and children were engaged in harvesting — pears, apples, and plums were ripening in the gardens. They also dug new potatoes, which were used to prepare simple but satisfying dishes. Lunch on Prokhorov Day was especially generous and full of summer gifts.

The pear tree was of particular importance in folk traditions. Its use symbolized cleansing from anxiety, restoring mental balance and attracting good news. It was said that if you eat a pear at sunset, you can get the answer to an important life question in a dream.

What not to do on the Prokhorov Day holiday on August 10th

According to popular beliefs, August 10 was considered a day unsuitable for serious endeavors. To avoid trouble, the ancestors observed the following prohibitions::

• To conclude trade deals, make purchases, borrow and lend money, as this could lead to financial difficulties. There was even a saying in Russia: "Prokhors are Parmenas — don't start bartering.";
• Getting married, moving, changing jobs. The ancestors believed that such radical changes could lead to a series of failures.;
• To discuss their problems, complain, or, conversely, brag, as well as gossip and discuss other people, as such conversations could attract trouble.;
• Girls were forbidden to do needlework — there was an opinion that this could attract failures in their personal lives.;
• There are apples — it was believed that on August 10, these fruits can "close happiness", while pears, on the contrary, open the way to joy and luck.

Folk signs for August 10

The ancestors in Prokhorov observed nature and drew conclusions about the upcoming weather.

• Morning dew — for a clear, sunny day;
• Fog over the water in the morning leads to heat;
• Hoarfrost on the grass — for early and harsh winter;
• Rain without wind leads to prolonged bad weather;
• High clouds — for dry and warm weather;
• A bright twinkle of stars leads to a thunderstorm;
• The cry of crows and the walks of rooks on the ground lead to a rapid deterioration in the weather.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of celebrating the national holiday Anna Letnaya.